UPDATE: IL House Approves Medicaid Expansion

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Illinois House has approved a Medicaid expansion to cover low-income adults who don't have children at home.

Expanding the health care program for the poor and disabled is a key part of President Barack Obama's health care law.

House lawmakers approved the measure 63-55 Monday. It heads back to the Senate because of an adopted amendment. Gov. Pat Quinn is in favor. Up to half a million uninsured Illinoisans would be newly eligible for coverage, with the federal government paying costs for three years.

Under the complex measure, 342,000 people are expected to enroll by 2017.

Democratic Rep. Sara Feigenholtz is a bill sponsor and says it's a historic move. Republicans opposed to the bill worried about future costs and long-term stability.

House members began floor discussion Monday on a complex plan that would, among other things, expand Medicaid to cover low-income adults who don't have children at home. The Senate has approved the expansion and Gov. Pat Quinn is in favor.

Democratic Rep. Sara Feigenholtz of Chicago is a sponsor. She says it's a historic move for Illinois. Up to half a million uninsured Illinoisans would be newly eligible for coverage, with the federal government picking up the bill the first three years.

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